London – 6 September 2000
Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder and Leader has stated that the rise in power rates for Karachi only, and not for the other parts of the country particularly Punjab not only tantamount to discrimination but also a clear proof of the anti-Sindh and anti-Mohajir policy of the present government. Mr Hussain said that on the one hand, the present military government has authorised the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) to raise the prices by eight (8) percent in Karachi whereas on the other hand, WAPDA has been instructed not to raise the power tariff in Punjab. Because of this decision, the present military government has not only put extra burden of inflation upon the Karachiites but it would also serve to destroy the industries in Karachi.
Mr Hussain asked, what is the connotation of raising the power tariff only for Karachi and not in Punjab? Is Karachi an occupied territory and the Karachiites made target of revenge? He said that if the country is one then why one policy is adopted for one part of the country and a different policy is being adopted for other parts of the same country? Mr Hussain said that witnessing the manner in which the poor Pakistani people are being crushed under the heavy burden of inflation, it clearly depicts that the present military government has decided to exterminate the poor instead of eliminating their poverty. The present military regime has raised the petrol prices three times since taking power. The prices of edible goods have gone sky-high. The price of vegetables has increased by thirty-three (33) percent, pulses and grams are costlier by five (5) to ten (10) rupees per kilogram and the price of rice has increased by five (5) rupees per kilogram. Recently the prices of cement have been increased by five (5) to eight (8) percent. The rupee is constantly being devalued and on the decline in the international market. The poor and downtrodden citizens are being crushed under the burden of inflation and the country’s economy is in ruins. However, the Establishment is not ready to change its policies. Even today, they continue with their unjust and oppressive policies, which resulted in the destruction of the country and today, Pakistan is once again on the verge of destruction.
Mr Hussain said that for the past 53 years, the military has directly or indirectly ruled the country and the present disastrous position of Pakistan proves that the army cannot solve the problems faced by the country. Mr Hussain said that the present state of affairs also warrants the nation to ponder and decide – Was Pakistan made for the Army or the Army was created for Pakistan.